Trump pressures Republicans to unify around his massive tax bill
- President Trump held a meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill to influence support for his tax bill.
- House Republicans are divided on various aspects of the bill, particularly concerning tax deductions and healthcare cuts.
- Despite extensive negotiations, the bill's fate remains uncertain as opposition persists among both conservative and moderate factions.
On May 20, 2025, President Donald Trump visited Capitol Hill to persuade House Republicans to support his significant domestic policy bill. This visit came at a time of division within the GOP, as members were split between conservative fiscal hawks pushing for deeper budget cuts and moderates desiring expanded tax deductions. Trump urged these lawmakers to move beyond negotiations and to 'STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE.' This plea was highlighted by his blunt remarks regarding Medicaid, emphasizing the urgency of finalizing the legislation. The proposal faced skepticism, especially from the 'SALT Caucus,' who believed that the tax deductions proposed did not adequately address the needs of residents in high-tax states. Many in this group remained firm in their opposition despite Trump's efforts to rally support. House GOP leadership aimed to bring the bill to a vote shortly, yet divisions remained, which could jeopardize the bill's passage ahead of the Memorial Day deadline. Other areas of contention included healthcare cuts which sparked further disagreement among Republican factions. Despite the challenges, Trump remained determined to unify his party around the bill's intentions, promising substantial tax reductions and budget adjustments if passed.